Wake Forest mother and son arrested

Wake Forest, N.C. — A Wake Forest mother and son are accused of taking advantage of an elderly relative.

Betty Jo Hood, 65, and her son, Richard Richardson, 39, are accused of stealing more than $54,000 from Hood's mother, according to arrest warrants.

Wake Forest police said the two convinced the elderly woman to withdraw her life savings. The two are accused of opening a separate account with the money and using it. The crime allegedly took place over four months, dating back to February.

Hood's mother is believed to be in her 90s. Police said another family member alerted police.

Hood and Richardson are each charged with one count of exploiting a disabled or elderly person's trust.

They are out of jail on bond. Richardson's next court date is Thursday.